Lyle Fire Update 5:45 p.m.: Massive air assault launched as Lyle Hill Fire races east above Lyle
Fire retardant was dropped on the Lyle Hill Fire in this photo around 4:45 p.m. as multiple planes were being utilized to stem the quick burning blaze being pushed by high winds this afternoon, June 28.
By Tom Peterson
Rowena, Ore., June 28, 2026 at 5:45 p.m. — A massive aerial assault is underway against the rapidly growing Lyle Hill Fire as multiple fixed-wing air tankers, Fire Boss scooper aircraft and helicopters attack the blaze burning on the hills above Lyle, Wash.
Jets have been dropping long lines of fire retardant while helicopters and scooper aircraft repeatedly dump water on the fire in an effort to slow its advance. Fire Boss aircraft operating from Dallesport, along with larger twin-engine scoopers, have been skimming nearby waterways before returning to make continuous water drops.
The sound of planes can be heard buzzing through the air through the Gorge between Lyle, Wash., and The Dalles.
An impressive aerial armada has been assembled to battle the fast-moving Lyle Hill Fire, according to updates from the Columbia Gorge Wildland & Fire Information Page. At least 11 aircraft are attacking the blaze from above. Incident commanders reported two large air tankers laying down lines of fire retardant, five Fire Boss scooper aircraft making repeated water drops after refilling from nearby waterways, two Super Scoopers adding larger-volume water drops, and two helicopters targeting hotspots and supporting ground crews. Additional air tankers and helicopters were also reported en route as firefighters mounted an aggressive effort to slow the fire's advance despite strong, gusty winds.
Strong west winds, reported at 20 to 30 mph with gusts exceeding 50 mph, continue to push the fire rapidly to the east, making containment difficult.
From Rowena, the aerial attack appeared to be having an impact late Sunday afternoon as thick gray smoke gave way in many areas to bright white steam, a common indication that water drops are reaching active flames.
EVACUATIONS
There is a fast moving fire on the West End of the County, please AVOID the Lyle Area. Multiple ground crews and multiple aircraft are in the air and on scene. Level 3 evacuation notices have been sent. Expect more. If you are in that area, be ready. If you are not please AVOID.
Shelters are being setup in White Salmon at the Columbia High School and the Bible Baptist Church in Goldendale. Map courtesy Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page
The rapidly expanding fire prompted a series of evacuation orders Sunday afternoon as flames pushed east from the hills above Lyle. According to updates from the Columbia Gorge Wildland & Fire Information Page, evacuations were extended along Centerville Road to Struck Road, while residents in additional areas were placed under evacuation notices as the fire crossed ridges, moved toward timber and advanced toward Centerville Highway. Authorities established temporary evacuation information centers at the Lyle Activity Center, 308 Klickitat St., in Lyle and Bible Baptist Church, 1015 S. Columbus Ave., in Goldendale, where displaced residents can receive information and assistance. Hikers in the Lyle Cherry Orchard Trail area were also ordered to evacuate and return to their vehicles as fire activity intensified.
According to the Columbia Gorge Wildland & Fire Information Page, the fire was officially estimated at 450 acres Sunday afternoon, though responders cautioned the blaze may be significantly larger. By late afternoon, incident commanders reported the fire had been stopped from backing into the northwest side of Lyle, but winds continued to drive the fire along ridges and into drainages, making its forward progression difficult to predict.
Authorities have ordered expanding evacuations as the fire moved east toward Centerville Road and into timber. Air resources reported on the fire include two large air tankers, five Fire Boss aircraft, two helicopters and two Super Scoopers, with additional aircraft and hand crews continuing to arrive.
Temporary evacuation information centers have been established at Bible Baptist Church in Goldendale and the Lyle Activity Center.
This is a developing story and will be updated as additional information becomes available.
